WARNING: All K&N And Other Rechargeable Air Filter users

[DJ Red Barron]

The following is a memo from GM stating the use of rechargeable air filters may cause transmission shift problems, engine driveability problems & SES Light On problems (throwing codes). It also states these problems will NOT be covered under warranty. Yes, in part of the memo, it states "excessively oiled" filters. But for the most part, it reads any use of this type of filter & these issues won't be covered. I just figured some of you might want to know so you can throw a paper filter in if you take your car in for a problem.


SERVICE - ALL BUICK, CADILLAC, CHEVROLET, GMC TRUCK, ISUZU, OLDSMOBILE, PONTIAC AND HUMMER DEALERS


Subject: A/T Shift, Engine Driveability Concerns or SES Light On as a Result of the Installation of an Aftermarket Reusable, Excessively Oiled Air Filter -- 2004 and Prior Cars and Lt Duty Trucks and 2003-2004 HUMMER H2
Message #: VSS20040056

Corporate Bulletin Number 04-07-30-013 will be available in SI on March 18, 2004.

Automatic Transmission Shift, Engine Driveability Concerns or Service Engine Soon (SES)
Light On as a Result of the Installation of an Aftermarket Reusable, Excessively Oiled Air Filter

Models: 2004 and All Prior Cars and Light Duty Trucks
2003-2004 HUMMER H2

DO THIS
First, Inspect the vehicle for a reusable aftermarket excessively oiled air filter

DON'T DO THIS
DO NOT repair under warranty if concerns result from the use of a reusable aftermarket oiled air filter.

The installation of an aftermarket reusable, oiled air filter may result in:

1. Service Engine Soon (SES) Light On

2. Transmission shift concerns, slipping and damaged clutch(es) or band(s)

3. Engine driveability concerns, poor acceleration from a stop, limited engine RPM range

The oil that is used on these air filter elements may be transferred onto the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor causing contamination of the sensor. As a result, the Grams per Second (GPS) signal from the MAF may be low and any or all of the concerns listed above may occur.

When servicing a vehicle with any of these concerns, be sure to check for the presence of an aftermarket reusable, excessively oiled air filter. The MAF, GPS reading should be compared to a like vehicle with a OEM air box and filter under the same driving conditions to verify the concern.

Transmission or engine driveability concerns that are the result of the installation of an aftermarket reusable, excessively oiled air filter are not considered to be warrantable repair items.

Here is a pic of the actual bulletin from GM's internal website.
http://www.superlightning.com/albums/album33/GM_K_N_Bulletin.sized.jpg

[CLIFFRSRAMAIR]

About time!:mad:

[XTrooper]

The key point in that whole thing can be found in the last sentence:

"Transmission or engine driveability concerns that are the result of the installation of an aftermarket reusable, excessive oiled air filter are not considered to be warrantable repair items."

I've had oiled filters on every one of my past half dozen or so vehicles and never had a minute's trouble related to the filter with any of them. The bottom line is, if you properly clean and reoil these filters you'll never have to worry about warrantable repairs related to them because they won't cause you any problems in the first place.

[LS1LT1]

Originally posted by XTrooper
The key point in that whole thing can be found in the last sentence:
"Transmission or engine driveability concerns that are the result of the installation of an aftermarket reusable, excessive oiled air filter are not considered to be warrantable repair items."
I've had oil filters on everyone of my past half dozen or so vehicles and never had a minute's trouble related to the filter with any of them. The bottom line is, if you properly clean and reoil these filters you'll never have to worry about warrantable repairs related to them because they won't cause you any problems in the first place.
Exactly. I've been using K&N air filters for over 15 years on 8 different cars, never once had a problem related to using them.

[Chevcamaro18]

Fram owns:D

[Rewind61]

Originally posted by XTrooper


I've had oiled filters on every one of my past half dozen or so vehicles and never had a minute's trouble related to the filter with any of them. The bottom line is, if you properly clean and reoil these filters you'll never have to worry about warrantable repairs related to them because they won't cause you any problems in the first place. [/B]

Like Steve, I have had them in my last three car and never had a problem with them or service work.

Robert

[EMINENT 1]

I've never had a problem. Good to know though.

THanks. Maybe you should try posting this in BNG to get the word out more.

[digitalcorvettes]

Don't have to worry about me. I haven't ever re-oiled mine, but I do hit it with compressed air to blow out little leaf chunks. :D

In fact, I want to go back to a paper filted cuz I can't tell when the K&N is dirty anyway.